EVOLUTION 2021 took place in Barcelona last 4th November. It was an event that gathered major property sector players to analyse and reflect on the impact of the technological change in the industry. The event’s motto was ‘Open Your Eyes to The Property Evolution’ and was held at the Llotja de Mar. It was organised by the Catalan Association of Property Agents (Asociación de Agentes Inmobiliarios de Catalunya (AIC)), the National Association of Property Agents (Asociación Nacional de Agentes Inmobiliarios (ANAI)) and Barcelona’s Official College of Property Agents (Colegio Oficial de Agentes de la Propiedad Inmobiliaria de Barcelona (COAPI Barcelona)).
All of the papers presented during the day drew conclusions regarding the future of the property sector and how technology will have a key role in its transformation.
Vicenç Hernández Reche, Chairman of the Catalan and National Associations of Property Agents, as well as Tecnotramit’s CEO, emphasised during one of the talks that ‘technology must be a powerful ally to improve the client’s experience in the property sector.’ He specifically gave examples of companies that make use of PropTech by pointing out ‘they are booming and working quickly towards success.’
Tecnotramit’s CEO, Vicenç Hernández Reche, focused also on two of the core variables that will redefine the current business model. First of all, highlighting the ‘agility and ability to have a mindset that adapts to the markets’ quick growth.’ Furthermore, the expert stated how important it is for organisations and professionals to adapt to volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous surroundings known as ‘VUCA’. He also declared: ‘These surroundings will become more frequent, and we will have to get used to them; they will change the business management model.’
Joan Clos, Chairman of the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI), focused on matters relating to environmental sustainability within the property industry. He claimed, ‘if energy prices continue to rise, energy saving houses will be valued much more.’ And also outlined the importance of promoting decarbonisation of the economy. ‘We must cut down on CO2 and methane emissions. Responsibility falls back on governments, they must promote changes in ruling. New economic cycles favouring a lower carbon footprint must be created.’
Marc Vidal, economic analyst and digital change expert, reasons the success of digital change lies in ‘bringing value to the client through data, converting said data into information and afterwards transforming it into knowledge; promoting new business models and, finally, understanding that new jobs will demand new skills.’ He added: ‘You cannot arrive on time in the future by simple waiting around, you must conquer it.’